The Sandbag Times Issue No: 46

Danny’s Legacy
2018 has been an awful year with an increase in Veterans
taking their lives. In May, Danny Johnston sadly became
another of this years tragedies. But why? What is making
our heroes feel they have no other way out? Along with
Walking With The Wounded, The SBT investigates.
We cannot imagine what the families of
Veterans go through when a loved one takes
their lives. So many questions without
answers, so little understanding of what
drove them so far down that dark road. This
story has been repeated so many times this
year.
Despite the many tragic stories that have
unfolded, the death of Danny Johnston hit the
headlines in a way which stirred so many
people to act. In particular Walking With The
Wounded, along with Danny’s family and
friends are working together to establish a
meaningful legacy in Danny’s memory.
Danny Johnston, 35, served with the Princess
of Wales’s Regiment and Special Forces.
While in the Army, he was highly respected
and well regarded by all those who worked
alongside him. But he struggled to adapt to
life post military service and suffered in
silence with mental ill health. Tragically
Danny took his own life in May this year.
There was a huge outpouring of support and
love when Danny went missing. We want to
use that and make a difference, and raise
£100,000 in Danny’s memory to support
other veterans and family members who are
suffering from mental health challenges and
to make a difference to their lives. All the
funds raised will support beneficiaries of
Walking With The Wounded, many of whom
are struggling with mental health challenges,
and many of whom are finding the transition
from the Armed Forces difficult. There can be
hope and there is support. We want to
encourage people to step forward and seek
help, and find their future. Through Danny’s
legacy we want to stop anyone else going
through the pain Danny did and his family
are.
Incredibly, Danny’s mum has reached out to
the public in the aftermath of her son’s death
to appeal for something to be done to stop
more of our heroes ending their lives.
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